subject: Women gaining recognition in science and technology [print this page] Women gaining recognition in science and technology
A number of women working in science and technology have had the spotlight shine on them this week, receiving recognition for their contributions.
Professor Athene Donald, deputy head of the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, has been appointed dame commander of the British Empire (DBE) for services to Physics in the Queen's Birthday Honours list, it was announced on Saturday (June 12th).
Dame Athene also holds to the role of director of the Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Initiative at the university, which promotes and supports women at all levels at the institution and aims to redress under-representation, as well as help employment and career progression.
On her appointment, she said: "I was stunned to get the news. I hope it acts as an encouragement to young women thinking of pursuing scientific careers without giving up family life, that it is not impossible."
Also recognised this week are eight women shortlisted for the L'Oreal Unesco UK and Ireland For Women in Science Fellowships.
In 2009 Dame Athene won the prize in Europe and this year, the hopefuls will be in with a chance of winning one of four fellowships, worth 15,000 to support a 12-month period of research, as well as provide a significant boost to their CV.
According to the organisers, the awards "promote, celebrate, enhance and encourage, the role and achievements of women pursuing their research careers".
In the running are two students from Dublin, as well as women working on projects at Oxford University, the University of Edinburgh and the Institute of Zoology in London.
Those that win can spend the money on buying new scientific equipment or even paying for childcare if it helps them with their science research.
The awards will be announced in London on June 30th.
Awards and honours such as these that celebrate the excellence of women's contribution to the science field could be increasingly important as the government seeks to fund more jobs in the industries and project the UK as a leader in future technologies.
They also come at a time when issues are raised over the future of university education.
Currently, Lord Browne is reviewing the state of higher education funding and critics have argued that raising tuition fees could eliminate a pool of potential graduates from lower income backgrounds.
However, Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of Universities UK, told the BBC that whatever the outcome, universities must not suffer more cuts.
A survey by the group found that almost six out of ten respondents said UK universities had a major impact on technological innovation.
Ms Dandridge said: "If severe cuts are inflicted there will be future real and lasting damage."
